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In an effort to strengthen the ties between Pennsylvania's Bureau of Career and Technical Education and the educational community, Steel Center for Career and Technical Education hosted a groundbreaking open forum in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania today. The event aimed to facilitate direct engagement between Mr. Judd R. Pittman, Pennsylvania's new State Director for Career and Technical Education, students, and faculty from across the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Appointed by Governor Shapiro in July, Mr. Pittman assumed his role in August, determined to develop strategies to enhance career and technical education (CTE) programming throughout the state. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Mr. Pittman initiated surveys and engaged with CTE leaders to identify areas of success and opportunities for improvement within Pennsylvania's CTE landscape.

The concept for the forum emerged after an initial meeting between Mr. Pittman and the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators State Officers, including Steel Center's Executive Director, Kevin Rice.  Mr. Rice remarked, "It's easy to see that Mr. Pittman is serious about building on the past successes of CTE in Pennsylvania while moving us forward. We wanted to provide him with an audience of career and technical education students and staff from the Greater Pittsburgh region to share their successes and address existing barriers."

Invitations were extended to all career and technical education schools in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Fayette, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. The response was overwhelming, with more than sixty participants representing institutions such as Beaver County CTC, Mon Valley CTC, Parkway West CTC, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and many others. 

"Today's activities showcased the collective dedication of students and staff from diverse backgrounds and CTE programs. It was an invaluable opportunity for Mr. Pittman to gain insights into the region's achievements and challenges, reinforcing his commitment to advancing Pennsylvania's CTE landscape," said Mr. Rice.

The forum emphasized the collaborative spirit essential for the growth of career and technical education in the Commonwealth. Mr. Pittman expressed gratitude for the warm reception and welcomed the chance to work together in shaping a brighter future for Pennsylvania's students and workforce. According to Mr. Pittman, “It was inspiring to listen and learn from the next generation of leaders and current educators in Pennsylvania to learn what is working with Career and Technical Education, and areas that need improvement. It is essential that their voices help to influence the direction of Career and Technical Education now and into the future”

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